“You can’t yell at her like that!” Mike yelled at Bruce.
“Yes I can, she’s on my team!” Bruce yelled back.
“Bruce wouldn’t really hit her, would he?” Angela asked Steve as Mike and Bruce yelled at each other.
“The hell he won’t, ask Danny. She didn’t believe him and stepped back and Dad popped her in the leg. It left a bruise on her leg for a week,” Steve told her.
“Good swing, Buffy just watch the ball,” Bruce told her.
Buffy nodded as Mary wound up throwing the ball. Buffy swung with everything she had. The bat connected with a sharp crack. The ball left Buffy’s bat heading straight for Mike’s head. Never trying to catch it, Mike just dropped as the ball passed where his head was a fraction of a second ago.
Buffy just stared in amazement as the ball went into the outfield. “Run Buffy!” Bruce yelled. Dropping the bat, Buffy took off to first as Paul chased the ball down. Danny waved her to second as Paul grabbed the ball. Buffy rounded second and Bruce was waving her to third as Paul threw the ball. As Buffy got close Bruce yelled, “Slide Buffy!”
Diving forward Buffy hit the ground hard sliding into third as Nancy caught the ball. Everyone on both teams started jumping up and down as Buffy got up brushing off. Bruce looked down at her, “Never show fear or pain in anything. If you’re afraid, act like you aren’t and get some,” Bruce said holding out his hand for her to slap it. Buffy slapped his hand smiling. “That’s what I’m talking about.” Bruce told her.
It was the fifth inning and Mike’s team was at bat with Mary on first and Nancy at bat. Bruce had Buffy playing short stop. Danny hummed the ball slapping Jake’s glove, who was catching. “That’s it Danny!” Bruce yelled from center field.
Danny threw again and Nancy swung the bat hitting the ball in a pop fly, heading just behind Buffy. “Buffy, dive for the ball!” Bruce yelled.
Buffy jumped, stretching out holding her glove open. Just as she hit the ground the ball hit her glove and her face hit the dirt as she closed her glove, Mary tagged first heading for second. Buffy looked at her glove in shock, ‘I caught it,’ she thought. “Buffy, second base!” Danny yelled.
Buffy jumped up throwing at Mindy who was on second. Mary dove, sliding into second as Mindy caught the ball tagging Mary. “She’s safe!” Bruce yelled from center field.
Mike ran out on the field, “Are you fucking blind? Buffy had that ball there before Mary even started her slide.”
Bruce ran at Mike and they stopped at second base and started bumping each other’s chest, “She was safe by a mile!” Bruce screamed.
“Mindy tagged her before she reached the base!” Mike yelled.
“You’re old, blind and senile. Mary touched the bag before the tag!” Bruce yelled kicking dirt at Mike.
“You’re stupid!” Mike yelled kicking dirt back at Bruce.
They sat yelling as Nancy ran over pulling Mike back. Angela and Stephanie, seeing that, went and done the same to Bruce. When they separated the two roosters, Mike looked at Mary, “Were you out or safe?” he asked.
“I really think I was out,” Mary said.
“How would she know, she was sliding!” Bruce yelled at Mike as Buffy ran over. Buffy’s nose was bleeding but she was ignoring it. Bruce looked at Buffy, “Wasn’t Mary safe?” he asked Buffy.
Buffy looked at Daddy grinning, understanding the family rules of softball as blood ran down her face from her nose, “Daddy Mike, I really think she was safe,” Buffy said.
“See, she’s bleeding and she said Mary was safe. Did you see that catch and throw? Buffy is kicking ass!” Bruce yelled.
“She probably has a concussion, she wouldn’t know,” Mike told Bruce.
“Enough,” Nancy said pulling out a quarter. “Mary, heads you’re safe, tails you’re out,” Nancy said as she flipped the quarter. Mary was safe.
The game continued and Bruce and Mike had to be separated three more times. There were over three hundred people watching the game now, laughing. Many just wanted Bruce and Mike to stay on the field and argue.
Bruce’s team was winning and it was Mike’s last bat. Nancy was on first and Matt was up to bat. Danny threw the ball and Matt hit a line drive right at Danny almost taking her head off. Danny dropped to her knees raising her glove catching the ball. Nancy had taken off from first, then seeing Danny catch the ball, headed back to first. Danny threw to first over throwing Ted by a mile. Nancy tagged first and headed to second. When Ted grabbed the ball Nancy was rounding second. Ted threw to third. Stephanie jumped up catching the ball but Nancy was already heading home.
Stephanie threw the ball to Jake at home. Jake caught the ball as Nancy lowered her shoulder knocking Jake back on his ass. The ball sailed out of Jake’s glove as Nancy touched the plate.
Mike ran over to Nancy, “You didn’t have to kill Jake!” he yelled.
“He was in the base line!” Nancy yelled back.
Jake got up brushing off the dirt and grabbing his mask, “That was good Mama Nancy,” he said grinning.
Bruce’s team got two outs and were at bat. They need two runs to win. Bruce was on third and Buffy was at bat. Mary threw the ball and Buffy hit the ball to center field. Bruce ran home and started yelling for Buffy to run. Mike looked out in center seeing Cheryl chasing the ball down. Turning back, Mike saw Buffy rounding first. Mike threw down his glove and ran over to second base picking it up and took off running.
“You can’t do that damn it!” Bruce yelled. “Buffy, chase him down!” Bruce yelled at her. Buffy took off after Mike as Bruce ran out on the field. “Team, catch Mike!” Bruce yelled behind him.
“Protect Daddy!” Nancy yelled.
For twenty minutes they chased Mike over the field until everyone just collapsed. Slowly they gathered themselves up as the watching crowd started clapping.
Wiping tears out of her eyes, Carroll turned to Marcus, “We’ve a good chance ta save Bruce.”
“We do, but don’t let him fool you. That’s a mask he has on now. You can still feel the hate boil off ‘im, he wants back out in the shit,” Marcus told her.
That evening at the table everyone sat laughing about the day. Buffy looked over at Bruce, “Daddy, that was the best game ever,” she declared.
“You did good BB,” Bruce told her.
Bruce looked at Angela and Stephanie, “You two, tomorrow morning training where we left off,” Bruce told them.
“Ah shit,” Stephanie said slapping the table.
“Stephanie when we get to the range you owe me ten pushups,” Bruce said as he started eating.
“We aren’t training,” Stephanie said.
“Love the training and my wives have to be the best,” Bruce told her.
“Bruce, are we going to go all day?” Angela asked.
“Hell yeah,” Bruce told them.
“You’ll do good Mamas,” Buffy told them.
Bruce looked up at Buffy, “You will be there to young lady, along with Mindy,” Bruce said.
“Daddy, I’m watching movies with Ted and Melanie tonight, they said I could bring Julie over with me,” Buffy whined.
“That doesn’t mean anything. You can still watch movies,” Bruce said.
“Daddy, you said Omega had two days off,” Buffy continued whining.
“We do, this is fun time,” Bruce replied.
“Daddy!” Buffy whined loudly.
“Ten pushups tomorrow, first thing,” Bruce told her.
Buffy was fixing to say more but Danny covered her mouth, “Matt and I will be there Dad,” Danny said.
Bruce nodded and looked over at Ted and Carl sitting at another table talking to their sweethearts. “Ted, Carl, tomorrow morning you two will report to training with me,” Bruce barked.
Ted looked at Bruce in disbelief, “Boss what about time off? You just tried to kill us in a softball game.”
“Thirty pushups tomorrow, whining like a bitch!” Bruce yelled.
“I thought boys only ha
d to do twenty?” Angela asked.
“Rangers do thirty,” Bruce told her.
“Thirty!” Danny yelled.
“Danny, thirty tomorrow,” Bruce said standing up looking at Mike. “I will see you and your team in the northwest field. Let’s see if they’re tough, I noticed you running in heels today,” Bruce told Mike.
Mike grinned, “You sure you don’t want to sleep late tomorrow? I thought I saw you today having vaginal cramps.”
“Dress tomorrow for training is tiger stripe, knee and elbow pads. Mike you may bring tampons,” Bruce said.
“Oh I will, I’m sure you’ll need some,” Mike replied.
Bruce left the hall as everyone wondered what the hell Bruce was going to do to them tomorrow. Stopping on the patio Bruce looked around, trying to relax. It was hard keeping his focus with Angela and Stephanie always beside him. The kids were okay, they would grow up but he had promised Debbie, “And I will keep it baby,” Bruce said out loud.
Hearing someone walking up behind him Bruce turned around. Henry was walking up to him holding his head down. Bruce looked at Henry, he was covered in white dust from head to foot. Henry stopped in front of Bruce looking up, “Mr. Bruce, I’m working on something to honor Ms. Debbie. When I’m finished, I’ll leave because it will take me another two months and I haven’t done any of my assigned projects. Ms. Nancy took me off the schedule,” Henry told him.
“Is that what’s under the tent?” Bruce asked.
“Yes sir,” Henry said.
Sighing Bruce said, “Henry, I really like you but if you call me Mister or sir again, we fight and her name was Debbie.”
Henry smiled, “Yes Bruce but I see now what she was. Debbie was your rock. I just wanted to tell you please control yourself. She would want you to,” Henry told him.
“I’m doing what she asked me to Henry. I’ll save everyone and kill the threats to do it,” Bruce told him.
Henry smiled knowing it was no use talking to Bruce now. “Okay Bruce, but when I’m finished, I will leave for failing my part of my duty to the clan,” Henry told him.
Bruce shook his head, “Henry, if you’re doing something to honor Debbie I don’t care if you take a year. She deserved the best and you will not leave. I promise, if you do, I’ll find you,” Bruce told him.
“Okay, I’ll stay but only if you like what I have done to honor her,” Henry told him.
“Deal then,” Bruce told him.
Henry lunged forward wrapping his arms around Bruce crying, “I’m sorry Bruce, I really wished it would have been me that died in her place. Be strong for her and us Bruce,” Henry told him as he let Bruce go, heading back to the tent.
Bruce smiled as Henry walked away. Then Bruce went back inside grabbing the kids, “Come on you four it’s bedtime. You’ll be training tomorrow with us. That means everyone here,” Bruce said pulling PJ out of his high chair. PJ didn’t care, he was already asleep.
“Bruce, you can’t train them yet. They’re too little,” Angela told him.
“Angela, ten tomorrow and they are ready. Watch this,” Bruce told her. “Emily, Sherry and Cade go and kick that wall,” Bruce said pointing at a wall. The three ran over to the wall and started kicking it. Bruce looked at Angela smiling, “Told ya,” he said. “That’s enough come with me,” Bruce said.
The three ran over to him standing beside Bruce as PJ slept on his shoulder. “Formation is at 0630. I would advise you not to eat but it’s your choice. It will be live fire,” Bruce said walking out.
As he headed to the door Jake yelled, “Dad, not the little kids, at least just make them watch!”
“Thirty Jake,” Bruce said walking out.
Everyone turned to Mike, “Hey don’t look at me. He out ranks me and I’m not doing pushups before Bruce’s training,” Mike told them.
“Uh yes you are Mike. You’re a Ranger now and we live, fight, bleed and pay together. Three Rangers owe a debt so we have to pay with them,” Willie told him.
“I have to do sixty pushups because people wouldn’t shut up!” Mike snapped.
“No we have to do thirty with them, plus one for the big Ranger in the sky,” Willie informed him.
Mike stood up grabbing Cassandra, then heading for the door, “Mike, where are you going?” Nancy asked.
“To bed if Bruce is doing stupid training, I’m getting some rest and Nancy, remember, you’re a Ranger also,” Mike told her walking out the door.
“Shit,” Nancy said standing up throwing down her napkin, she followed Mike. Everyone looked at each other then made a mass exodus to the door heading to bed.
Chapter 14
Bruce’s wrist watch buzzed on his arm waking him up at 0230. Easing out of bed quickly, he dressed and grabbed some bags out the closets. Putting them in the hall, he grabbed his vest and SCAR quietly closing the door.
Next Bruce snuck in each room grabbing bags and setting them in the hall. When he had all of them he took them downstairs to the patio calling on the radio to have an electric buggy brought to patio. Putting the bags on the cart, Bruce drove to the northwest field dropping the bags off. Then Bruce made several trips to the storage areas and the shop.
Setting up a dozen tables he laid out the equipment then covered it with sheets. Bruce didn’t want to spoil the surprise. Fixing the equipment up from the shop, Bruce covered it up with a sheet. Next, Bruce put name cards on the table over piles of equipment. It was 0550 when he was done so he jumped on the buggy and drove to the Center to talk with Millie. Then Bruce walked back to the field to wait.
Stephanie woke up first at 0530 waking the others up and seeing Bruce already gone, she grabbed Angela. “He’s already gone,” Stephanie said.
“Well yeah, I’m sure he is setting up a first aid station for us,” Angela said.
Stephanie didn’t think that was funny as they dressed the kids in tiger stripe uniforms that Millie had sewn for them. Now like the rest of the family the kids had a variety of camouflage to wear. The twins dressed themselves and put on their little boots that Bruce had found for them. When everyone was dressed Angela and Stephanie grabbed vest and weapons. Opening the door, they ran into Nancy with Mike carrying Cassandra.
“Ready?” Mike asked.
“Yeah I guess,” Angela said looking at little Cassandra dressed in tiger stripe also. “The kids don’t have knee and elbow pads,” Angela told Mike.
“Well, I will stop Bruce from abusing them,” Mike said leading them down the stairs.
The kids, hearing movement came out of their rooms and followed Mike outside. When they were outside the rest of the group was on the patio. Then everyone heard Danny say, “No Matt, we’re not eating. If Daddy warned us not to eat, you know we should listen. I really don’t like seeing and tasting my food twice.”
Susan ran over to Nancy, “We’ll be alright won’t we?” she asked.
“You will be if you listen and remain alert. There’s always a sense of danger when Bruce does anything,” Nancy told her.
They passed the cemetery and the tent, then spotted Bruce standing behind tables covered in sheets and off to the side they saw more equipment covered with sheets.
“Aw shit!” David yelled looking at the sheets.
“That’s thirty David,” Bruce called out as the came over.
“What’s with the sheets?” Angela asked Nancy.
“I’m not saying shit. My arms already hurt and I haven’t done anything,” Nancy told her.
The twins saw Daddy and took off running. Bruce knelt down as the twins gave him love, then he stood up clasping his hand behind his back. The twins moved behind Daddy and clasped their hands behind their back mimicking Bruce.
Nancy grinned looking at the two, “Something funny Nancy?” Bruce asked.
“Just waiting for the fun Bruce,” Nancy told him.
“I knew you had big hairy balls,” Bruce told her. Then Bruce looked at the group, “I believe pushups are owed today,” he said.
Everyon
e dropped down including Bruce. Pushing hard and fast Bruce knocked out thirty then did one more yelling, “For the big Ranger in the sky!” From behind him he heard two little voices, “For the big Ranger in the sky.” Turing around Bruce saw Emily and Sherry getting up. Bruce smiled at them and walked over to the group. Almost everyone was up but Angela and Stephanie were still doing pushups counting them out. After thirty they each did one more yelling, “For the big Ranger in the sky!”
When they stood up they found Bruce looking at them in shock. “What?” Angela snapped. “Our husband is a Ranger and our kids are Rangers so we pay with y’all,” she let Bruce know.
“We braided the hair on our balls this morning, so let’s get it on,” Stephanie told Bruce with an evil grin.
Bruce came around the table picking up Angela then Stephanie kissing each of them. When he was done Bruce almost ran over Emily and Sherry as they went to kiss Angela and Stephanie. ‘Oh well they can be proud of them to,’ Bruce thought heading back to the front of the tables. Clasping his hands behind his back the twins ran to join him.
Before Bruce started Conner came around the table, “Ah Bruce, can I ask you something?” he requested.
“Yeah but don’t expect special treatment,” Bruce told him.
“Okay, but it’s really for you and Mike,” Conner said. “I want to marry Susan. I asked her last night and she said yes but I figured that I had to ask you and Mike. Since she is part of your family,” Conner said.
“Mike, conference please,” Bruce said, motioning with his head for Mike to join him.
“Damn right conference,” Mike said coming around the table, actually looking at Conner with a malicious expression.
Bruce and Mike stepped away from the group with two little mimes and talked. From the look of it, Mike was irritated. Mike yelled several times but they couldn’t understand what he said. Then the two walked back to Conner. To Conner’s horror, Mike pulled out his pistol racking the slide.
Conner didn’t know if he should run, hide, fight or make peace with his maker. Instead he just froze in place as the two stopped in front of him.
Blue Plague: Rage Page 15